The Lancashire and Cumbria branch of Women in Property is being launched this July, with its inaugural event taking place in Carlisle. The branch will be the first of its kind in the area, as part of the national organisation which seeks to enhance the profile of women in the male-dominated construction and property sectors.
Property Litigation Associate Lucie Barnes from Baines Wilson has helped form the branch and is inviting people to the event on 9th July. Lucie will be joined by inspirational guest speakers Pat Graham, Chief Executive, Copeland Borough Council who will talk about her role as a female leader in the property industry, and Mandy St John Davey, National Chairman of Women in Property and entrepreneurial property developer, who will outline the work of the organisation across the UK network.
Great strides towards gender balance have been made in recent years but, even so, women still represent only 15% of the property and construction industry workforce.
Women in Property creates opportunities, expands knowledge and inspires change for women working in the property and construction industry. The network links members to fellow professionals across sectors and across the UK. The organisation is multi-disciplinary, encouraging an exchange of ideas and sharing of expertise, often through an extensive schedule of best practice workshops, site visits, keynote talks, social events and mentoring. As well as using our influence at the highest level, to encourage a more diverse working environment, Women in Property encourages girls aspiring to a career in the built environment sector, as well as supporting women in ‘mid-career’ and at board level.
Lucie Barnes, who is jointly hosting the event, commented: “I hope this event will be the first of many so that we can create a great local support network. I’m passionate about supporting our industry in being balanced, diverse and inclusive and I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow professionals.”
The inaugural event will be on Tuesday 9th July, 6pm – 8.30pm at The Halston, Carlisle and will include canapes and bubbly. If you would like to attend, please contact l.barnes@baineswilson.co.uk
